Continuous film printing machine



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Patented June 23, 1936 UNITED STATES CONTINUOUS FILM PRINTING MACHINE Alan E. Freedman and August Zimmermann, New York, N. Y., assignors to De Luxe Laboratories,

Inc. New York, N. Y.

Application January 25, 1932, Serial No. 588,670

16 Claims.

This invention relates to continuous film printing machines as may be used in printing a positive film from negatives, or more specifically, to improvements in printing machines permitting the printing of a positive film simultaneously from separate sound and picture negatives in either a forward or a reverse sense and for the printing of full frame pictures.

In the production of sound moving pictures, the sound accompanying the scene may be recorded on the same film from a composite negative from which the positive may be printed in the usual way using separate picture and sound printing lights. However, this method has many disadvantages. Greater flexibility, and more accurate results can be obtained by recording the sound and photographing the picture on separate films. Printing the positive was then accomplished by running the positive stock through a printer with the sound negative and then through another printer with the picture negative which necessarily involved double the time and labor in producing a positive film.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a continuous printer, compact in structure, that will print a positive film from separate sound and picture negatives passing through the printer in either a forward or reverse sense. After passing through the printer in one sense, the sound and picture negative, in this instance, can be removed from the take-up position and placed into the feed positions ready for a second run without rewinding and in which case the negative film travel will be in the reverse sense.

A further object of this invention is to provide a printer that is capable in addition to the printing of a positive film simultaneously from separate sound and picture negatives, of printing a positive film from a full frame picture negative.

It is also an object of this invention to provide visual means for indicating the sense of film travel in the printing of sound and pictures or the printing only of full frame pictures.

Other objects and advantages relate to details of the printer structure, the arrangement and relation of the parts thereof, all as will be apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of our invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the printer shown in Figure 1.

Figures 3 is a sectional View taken through line 3--3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged elevation view showing the film feed apparatus, printing aperture and film positions for printing the picture portion of a film.

Figure 5 is an enlarged elevation view showing 5 the film feed and printing apparatus and the film positions for printing the sound record portion of a film.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken through line 66 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken through line 1-1 of Figure 9.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken through line 88 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken through line 99 of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken through line l0l0 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken through line H -II of Figure 5.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken through line l2l2 of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken through line I 3l3 of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken through line I4l4 of Figure 2.

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken through line l5l5 of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is an elevation view of the control assembly. 30

Figure 17 is a sectional view taken through line l'l l1 of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a longitudinal section view of the signal box taken through line l8-I8 of Figure 1.

Figure 19 is a transverse section view of the signal box through line l9l9 of Figure 1.

Figure 20 is a plan View partly in section, of the electrical switching apparatus, as viewed in the plane of line 211-20 of Figure 4.

Figure 21 is a sectional view taken through line 2l-2l of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a sectional view taken through line 2222 of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical switching circuit.

In the drawings, like characters of reference will be used to indicate like parts.

In Figure 1, I designates a pedestal upon which the printing machine is mounted. On top of pedestal I is positioned a lamp chamber 2 for housing a printing light 3. In the forward extension 4 of the framework secured to chamber 2, is a cylindrical chamber designated at 5, preferably bored horizontally in a forward and rearward direction and communicating radially with chamber 2 by means of a passageway 6.

Opposite passageway 6 in chamber 5 is located the picture printing aperture 1 formed by a circumferential channel cut through the wall of framework 4, as shown at II in Figures l and '7. A film drive sprocket comprising two axially spaced peripherally toothed wheels 9 mounted on a spindle I9, is co-axially disposed within chamber 5 and axially aligned so that the space between wheels 9 is in registration with aperture 1 and passageway B. The channel at I I is made slightly wider than the width of the positive and negative films so as to allow the same to pass over the bottom thereof and assume the curvature of wheels 9 while passing aperture 1.

The film guide plates l2 on either side of aperture l are placed tangentially to sprocket wheels 9 in the bottom of channel I! to guide the films properly to the driving sprocket. The width of aperture 1 is determined, in this instance, by means of two shutter members 8.

As previously pointed out in the objects of this invention, the printer is adapted to handle negative films passing in front of the printing apertures in either sense; that is to say, forwardly from beginning to end or in the reverse sense from the end to the beginning. The sense of movement of the negative will then determine near which edge of the film the sound record is located.

In printing the picture portion, the sound record portion must be masked from the picture printing light in order to prevent fogging. However, since the printer is adapted to handle films in either sense, the sound record portion will shift from one side to the other in accordance with the sense of negative film movement, making it necessary to provide a mask adjacent the inner edge of each sprocket wheel 9, only one of which will be effective at a time. This mask arrangement and its operating mechanism is shown in Figures 6 to ,10.

Upper shutter member 8 may be provided with downwardly projecting flanges Bl, as shown in Figure 8, each of which has a narrow and comparatively deep channel 45 adapted to receive sliding bars 38 and 39. On the lower ends of these bars and integral therewith, are located respectively, masking members 49 and 4 i, the widths of which in a direction parallel to the spindle ii! are substantially equal to the width of the sound track portion of the film. The ends of masks 4E and 4! are shaped to conform with the cross section of aperture 1 between shutter members 8 at the periphery of sprocket wheels 9 so that as either mask is in operative position, that particular portion of the aperture will be completely blocked against the passage of the printing light.

The lower sides of bars 38 and 39 are provided with two spaced notches 42 and 43 adapted to engage successively, spring-pressed dog 44 pivoted in channel 45 by means of a pin 46 whereby the masks are held in either the lowered or raised position. Obviously, to accomplish the desired result, mask 40 must be down when mask 41 is up, or vice versa.

In order to provide a simple shifting mechanism for these members, bars 38 and 39 have been extended through openings in the upper wall of frame 4 and. are provided with hooked ends so as to engage a clevis 47 pinned to sliding members 48. Sliding members 48 may be operatively mounted in a guide member 49 secured to frame 4, as shown in Figure 10.

Transversely to sliding members 48 and directly above, operatively positioned in a recess in guard member 49 is located a shifting plate 50, in this instance provided with a V-shaped perforation 5|. On the upper surface of slide members 48 near the clevis connected end is secured, by means of a pin 52, a small roller 53 adapted to operate along the inner edges of the V-shaped perforation 5!.

From Figure 9, it is apparent that when shifting plate 50 in the position shown by the full lines, or position A, one roller 53 will be located in the apex of perforation 5! while the other will be at the extremity of one leg thereof. In this position of shifting plate 56, mask 4| will be down or in a position to properly mask aperture 7 and mask 40 will be in the raised position, Now, if it is desired to reverse the positions of masks 40 and 4|, shifting plate 59 is moved to the dotted position B and consequently the roller associated with bar 33 will carry mask is down and the roller associated with bar 39 will bring mask 4! up. Perforation 5! may be extended parallel to the direction of movement of plate 59, as shown at 54, so that plate 59 may be withdrawn farther than the full line position, or

to position C, thereby allowing mask 48 to remain A cover plate 55 is provided to maintain shifting plate 553 in position and also to protect the shifting mechanism from dust and other foreign matter. The usual aperture gate l3 having its inner surface concaved to conform with the curva- I ture of the film passing over sprocket wheels 9 is provided to maintain the films in proper engagement with the sprocket teeth. Aperture gate i3 is preferably mounted on arm I4 which is free to pivot at E5 so as to permit it to swing away from aperture 1 to allow the threading of the film over sprocket wheels 9.

Positioned above chamber 2 is a second lamp chamber l6 housing a printing light I! for printing the sound record from a separate sound negative. Opposite lamp I! in the side of chamber 56 is an opening it communicating with a tapered tubular connecting member H! which terminates at casing 29. Member Hi and casing 20 may be joined, as shown, by means of a threaded nipple 2i. Casing 20 at its opposite end may be provided with a cylindrical chamber 22, the ends of which are closed by flanged sprocket wheels 23 in co-axial relation therewith and axially spaced on a spindle 24 as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

The outside diameter of the cylindrical portion of casing 29 is made substantially equal to the base diameter of sprocket wheels 23 in order to provide nearly frictionless movement of the films over the casing. Two narrow radial printing apertures 25 and 2B are provided in wall 2'! adjacent the inner edge of sprocket wheels 23. Wall 2'! is efiective in masking the picture portion of the positive as the positive film and the negative sound film move over sprocket wheels 23 past apertures 25 and 26. are here provided, will permit the printing of a sound negative passing the apertures in either a forward or a reversed sense.

It is, of course, to be understood that the sense of movement of the sound negative will determine 7 near which edge of the film the sound record is located. A reversal of sense will shift the record to the opposite edge. It is, therefore, necessary to provide a shifting mask for closing one of the sound printing apertures during the printing proc- The fact that two apertures J ess. For this purpose, mask 28 is provided in the form of a concentric semi-cylindrical member having overturned edges to slidably engage a.

tongue and groove arrangement along the edges of wall 21.

Mask 28 may be shifted from side to side, as shown in the dotted positions of Figure 11, by means of an actuating lever 29 extending through a slot opening in the lower portion of casing and pivoted at this point by a screw 30. A bracket 3| centrally secured to mask 28 and provided -with a clevis and pin arrangement 32, serves as a coupling means between the mask and actuating lever 29.

It is self-evident from the drawings that the bent configuration of lever 29 within chamber 22 is necessary to clear sprocket wheel spindle 24. The externally projecting end of lever 29 may be pivoted through the medium of a spring toggle arrangement to shifting arm 33 adapted to be shifted from side to side.

It will be noted that lever 29 is pivoted by means of a thumb screw 34 to a slidably internally mounted block 35. Coil spring 36 applies a force against lever 29 in line therewith, as long as the latter is in the central position, as shown in Figure 11. Now, as soon as shifting arm 33 is moved to either side, lever 29 will be forced out of its central position and urged by the action of spring 36 to the limit of its movement as determined by the sidewise limit of movement of mask 28.

The end of arm 29 may be slotted at its pivotal point with screw 34 so that arms 29 and 33 may be quickly dis-engaged by forcing screw 34 against the tension of spring 36 until the body of the screw clears the end of the lever. Shifting arm 33, in this instance, may be secured to shifting plate 59, as shown in Figure 9, so as to effect the simultaneous shifting of masks 4D and 4| with that of mask 28. A sound aperturegate 58 is provided for maintaining the negative sound film and the positive in close contact with sprocket wheel 23.

Aperture gate 58 may be resiliently mounted on a fogging head 59, as shown, the latter being provided with chambers 60 and 6| in which are housed fogging lights 62 and 63 respectively. Aperture gate 58 is provided with two passages 64 and 65 respectively, in alignment with apertures 26 and 25. Passages 64 and 65 are connected by passages 66 and 61 with light chambers 69 and BI It is now clear that the positive sound track portion may be fogged by the energization of either lamps 62 or 63 as conditions demand, for the purpose of obviating a certain portion of the sound record.

Lamps 62 and 63 may be controlled in any well-known way as, for instance, by a switch as shown at 68 actuated by a notch placed in the edge of the negative sound film. The selection of the proper lamp so as to fog the proper portion of the positive, may be accomplished by the use of a selector switch I60 having a switch-actuating arm [6| which may be associated with shifting arm 33 whereby the selection of the proper masks for both sound and picture will also make the proper fogging lamp circuit connection.

Fogging head 59 may be provided with light passages 69 leading from the light chambers 60 and 6! to the exterior and which may be covered with colored glass so as to give the operator an indication that the fogging lamps are in operative condition. The printing light for the sound film is preferably diffused by a diffusing plate 10 placed in passageway l8. Adjacent plate 70 and secured to coupling member [9 is provided a shutter mechanism controlling the quantity of printing light comprising two movable shutter members H and 12 positioned in guide channels 14 and 15 and threaded upon an adjusting screw 13. Adjusting screw 13 may be provided with a right-handed screw thread for shutter H and a left-handed thread for shutter 12 whereby the distance between shutter members may be adjusted by turning screw 13 in either direction as desired.

In order to equalize the quantity of light falling on apertures 25 and 26, an auxiliary shutter member 16 is provided within casing 20 pivoted in the center on an inwardly projecting boss 11. The right hand side of shutter 16, as shown in Figure 13, has an inclined surface 18. A spring 88 secured to the upper wall 8| at one end and to shutter 16 at the other, rotates the shutter so that portion 18 is in contact with the beveled point of an adjusting screw 19.

By adjusting the screw '19 in or out, shutter 16 will be rocked about its pivot so as to balance the light directed toward the respective apertures 25 and 26.

The above description has dealt generally and specifically with the apparatus units for exposing the positive film to both the picture and sound negatives. The arrangements of these units with respect to each other and the associated apparatus, as film feed and guide equipment is of great importance. In order to provide a compact structure, the picture printing is operated in one plane and the sound printing is accomplished in an adjacent plane.

Since all views showing the relative positions of the apparatus units are similar with respect to arrangement, we can simply designate these two' planes as the near and the far plane. Secured to pedestal I and frame member 4 is, in this instance, a tubular framework 82 upon which are mounted the reel flanges and reel spindles for holding the feed and take-up reels of the positive stock and the picture and the sound negatives.

On the upper cross frame member 82 is mounted in the far plane, stock reel flange 83 and the picture negative reel flange 84. In the near plane is the reel fiange 85 for the sound negative. On the vertical frame member 82 in the near plane is mounted the take-up stock reel flange 86. On the lower horizontal frame member 82 is mounted in the near plane the sound negative take-up reel flange 81, and on the same member in the far plane, the pi ture negative take-up flange 83.

The reel flanges are all provided with reel spindles and reel guards of well-known construction and need no further explanation.

The various feed and take-up sprockets, as well as the take-up reels are driven by a train of gears located within gear case 89 mounted, as shown, on frame 4. In Figure 3, 99 is the main driving gear mounted on shaft 9! which extends through both sides of gear case 89 having mounted on the rear side a driving pulley 92 which may be connected by a belt I29 to pulley I30 or a driving motor I3| mounted on a bracket I32 secured to the side of frame 2.

On the front side of the gear case in the far plane, is mounted on shaft 9| a pull sprocket 93 for feeding out the positive stock and the negative picture film, and in the near plane is positioned a feed sprocket 23 which is the sound picture exposure sprocket. In mesh with gear is an idler gear 94 which meshes with gear 95 mounted on shaft 96 extending to the front side of gear case 89 and having mounted thereon in the near plane a pull sprocket 91 for feeding out the negative sound film. A second idler gear 98 is provided meshing with main driving gear 96 and gear 99 mounted on sprocket shaft I0 to which are secured sprocket wheels 9. Meshing with gear 99 is a smaller gear I mounted on shaft I6I extending to the rear of casing 89 and having mount-ed thereon the take-up reel driving pulley I62.

Gear I63 is in mesh with gear I66 and is, in turn, mounted on shaft I84 extending to the front side of gear case 89 through the far plane and into the near plane and upon which is mounted in the far plane, take-up sprocket H3 and in the near plane, take-up sprocket I for driving respectively the positive film and the sound and picture negatives to their respective destinations to be hereafter explained.

The printing of the positive picture portion from a negative picture film, is illustrated in Figure 4. This printing process takes place in the far plane. A positive film I66 and the picture negative I61 are placed in overlying relation and feed from their respective reels from positions 83 and 84 through guide rollers I68, I69 and III] over pull sprocket 93. The films now pass separately through suitable tensioning devices indicated at III to guide rollers II2 onto driving sprocket 6 past the exposure aperture 1 and through take-up sprocket H3. The negative picture film I61 passes over guide roller I I4 onto its take-up reel at 68. The positive film I06, however, upon leaving guide roller II4 moves over from the far plane to the near plan-e and travels upward to guide roller I I5 located on fogging head 56 Where it picks up the negative sound film I I6, as shown in Figure 5.

Negative sound film H6 is fed from its reel at 85 to pull sprocket 91 aided by guide rollers H1 and I I8 from which it passes onto the sound exposure sprocket 23. The positive film I66, after passing guide rollers I I9 and I26 on fogging head 55, joins the negative sound film I I6 and the two pass in overlying relation over sprocket 23 and are exposed by the sound printing light through either apertures 25 or 26. Films I66 and I I6 then continue over guide rollers IZI to tensioning devices IZZ onto take-up sprocket I65 guided by rollers I23 and I24, and then to their respective take-up reels at 86 and 81.

The take-up reels may be driven from pulley I02 by means of a belt I25 passing over the respective reel pulleys I26, I21 and I28. Thus it is seen that the printing of a positive film from separate sound and picture negatives is accomplished in one continuous operation through the printing machine. The negative sound and picture films on the wind-up reels, after passing through the printer, are immediately ready for the next run with a new positive film and may be placed in the feed positions without rewinding.

The sound track portion will, of course, be reversed, but this condition is met in the printer, as

previously described, by providing sliding masks so that the negative films may be run through in either sense.

In order to give the operator of the printer an indication of the sense of film travel, a signal box I62 is mounted on lamp chamber 2. The face of the signal box may be provided with three words or other suitable indicia symbolical of the printing operation as, for instance, the upper signal consists of the word Forward indicating that the negative films are traveling through the printer in the forward sense. The next word may be Backward indicating that the negative films are moving through the printer in a reverse sense and the lower signal may be Disc or some similar indication meaning that the sound printing is discontinued and that a full picture frame film is being printed.

Details of signal box I62 are shown in Figures 18 and 19. -A face plate I63 is provided having three elongated apertures through which the signal indications above-rnentioned are made visible. A ruby-colored glass plate I64 may be positioned adjacent face plate I63 to prevent the emanation of any light rays other than red. 81% nal letters may be stenciled in a suitable metal plate I65 which is positioned directly in rear of glass plate I64 so as to have each signal word or symbol in alignment with its respective aperture in the face plate.

The interior of signal box IE2 is divided into three compartments by longitudinally extending partition walls I66 and I61. Each compartment is provided with a signal lamp, as indicated at I69, I16 and HI, mounted in a suitable socket I68. Indicating lamps I69, I16 and HI are controlled by switch 51 actuated by an actuating arm 56 secured to shifting arm 33 by means of a connecting link I12.

Switch 51 comprises contacts I13, I14 and I15 mounted on a suitable insulating block I16 and which may be respectively connected to lamps I69, I16 and HI. Contact fingers I11, I18 and E19, insulatingly mounted at one end as shown,

to the frame of switch 51, are adapted to make contact respectively with, but are normally out of contact with contacts I13, I14 and I15. These contact fingers may be stamped from a single piece of springmetal so as to provide a connecting base integral therewith which may be connected to a suitable source of potential for lighting the signal lamps.

Lamps I69, I10 and I1I may have a common return circuit to a source of energizing potential. The successive engagement of the control fingers with their respective contacts, is accomplished by plungers I extending through the wall of switch casing 51 and have an insulated head I8I contacting with each contact finger. The portion of plunger I86 extending to the exterior of switch casing 51 is adapted to engage a cam surface I82 provided on switch lever 56, the latter being pivoted at one end to the switch casing as shown at I83. Now, as the shifting arm 33 is moved in order to place shifting plate 50 into one of the three positions, say position A, switch arm 56 connected to arm 33 will be rotated about pivot I83 and cause surface I82 to engage with plunger I86 which is pressed inwardly against contact finger I18 which, in turn, engages contact I14 to close the circuit to energize signal lamp I10. Consequently, the shifting of arm 33 into positions B and C will respectively close the circuits to respectively energize lamps I69 and HI.

As previously pointed out, the select-ion of the proper fogging light for obviating desired portions of the sound record, is accomplished simultaneously with the shifting of arm 33 to which is connected actuating arm I6I of selector switch I60. The wiring diagram of signal lamps I69, I16 and HI and fogging lamps 62 and 63 is shown in Figure 23 for the masks in position A.

Wires I84 and I85 may be connected to a suitable source of potential for energizing the signal lamps, as well as the fogging lamps. In position A, current will flow from the source through wire I 85, contact I14, lamp I10 and return through wire I84.

The energization of lamp I10 indicates in signal box I62 that the masks in the sound and picture printing apertures are set for the negative films to pass through the printer in the backward sense. At the same time, selector switch I60 will be in position to make the energization of fogging lamp 62 possible. Lamp 62, of course, will not be energized until switch 68 is closed by the action of a notch placed in a predetermined position along the edge of the sound negative. Similarly, in position B, signal lamp I69 will be energized and fogging lamp 63 will be connected in circuit.

The energization of signal lamp I69 will give a visual signal in the signal box that the masks are set for the negative films to pass through the printer in a forward sense. In like manner in position C, all connections to fogging lamps 62 and B3 are broken and signal lamp I1l is energized, indicating that the masks are in a position to print a positive film from a full picture frame negative.

The printing machine is put into operation by means of a control lever I 33 secured to the end of control shaft I34 journaled in bearing I36 located in a projecting portion of pedestal I.

On the opposite end of control shaft I34 is secured a crank arm I35. Journaled to crank arm I3 by means of a crank pin I31, are control rods I38 and I93, the former connecting with arm I40 pivoted on spindle I42 secured to bracket I44 mounted on motor support bracket I32. Arm I49 is provided with a belt-tightening idler pulley I4I adapted to engage belt I29 as arm I40 is urged downward due to a counterclockwise rotation of control shaft I34.

A stationary idler pulley I43 may also be used on spindle I42 to provide more belt contact surface on motor pulley I30. Thus it is seen that the mechanical mechanism is put into motion by tightening driving belt I29 which transmits the motion of motor I3l to driving pulley 92.

Uniform motion may be secured of all sprockets by means of a fly wheel I45 mounted on shaft 9I adjacent driving pulley 92. The inertia of fly wheel I45, however, will cause the sprockets to continue to rotate after the driving motor I3I is uncoupled by loosening belt I29.

In order to bring the mechanism to rest quickly, a breaking mechanism is provided comprising a brake shoe I46 acting on the rim of fly wheel I45 and actuated by means of a brake lever I41 pivoted intermediate its ends at I48 to gear case 89. One end of brake lever I41 may be secured to brake shoe I46 and the other end connected to control rod I39. Rod I39 may be provided with a spring-tcnsioning device I49 effective in thrust as control lever I33 is turned to the off position releasing the driving belt tension and, at the same time, forcing brake shoe I46 against the rim of fly wheel I45.

Rod 138 may also be provided with a certain amount of flexibility by spring-tensioning arrangement, as shown at I50, Figures 3, 14 and 15 which becomes effective in tension. The structures I49 and I50 being well-known, need no further explanation.

Support bearing I36 may be provided with stops I5I and I52 for limiting the movement of control shaft I34. I A coil spring, I53 suspended from crank pin I31 to an anchoring stud I54 maintains, by virtue of the anchoring studs position, control lever I33 in either the on or 01f position.

Another feature in connection with the control system is the lock-out mechanism controlled by the position of the sound and picture aperture gates 53 and I3 respectively.

As previously described, sound aperture gate 58 is mounted on fogging head 59 which, in turn, is hinged to lever I55 and pivoted to gear case 89 so that it is free to swing toward and away from sprocket 23 which enables the positive and the negative sound films to be threaded into place. The picture aperture gate is similarly constructed, as previously pointed out.

Starting the printing operation with either aperture gate open, would very likely destroy the films. Then, in order to prevent the starting of the machine until both gates are closed, a lockout system is provided which comprises a connecting rod I56 connecting fogging head 59 and arm I5, and a second rod I51 leading from arm l5 to control shaft I34. The lower end of rod I51 is supported in a radial guide I58 secured to bearing I36 and is provided with a bayonet point adapted to fit into a detent I59 located in control shaft I34.

Detent I59 is positioned so that rod I51 is in registration therewith as control lever I33 is in the off position. Under these conditions, rod I51 is free to move downwardly also allowing rod I 56 downward movement thereby permitting aperture gates I3 and 55 to be withdrawn. It is, therefore, readily seen that when either or both aperture gates are open, rod I51 will lock control shaft I34 in the off position.

This construction also prevents aperture gates I3 and 58 from being open while the machine is in motion since in the on position of lever I33, detent I59 is rotated out of registration with the end of rod I51, as shown in the dotted position of Figure 17.

Although We have shown and described a particular embodiment of our invention as being illustrative thereof, we do not wish to limit ourselves to details of the precise structure shown or to the arrangement of the various parts thereof, as many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

l. A continuous film printing machine comprismg a base, a frame including a cylindrical portion having a circumferentially positioned exposure aperture therein, a picture exposure sprocket comprising peripherally toothed wheels axially spaced the width of said aperture and co-axially mounted within said cylindrical frame portion, means for moving a negative film having a picture record thereon and a positive in overlying relation over said exposure sprocket, means for exposing said film through said aperture, means for alternately masking a portion of said aperture adjacent the inner edge of said sprocket wheels, a cylindrical open end casing having two circumferentially positioned exposure apertures extending from said frame, a sound exposure sprocket comprising peripherally toothed wheels axially spaced and positioned co-axially in the ends of said casing, means for moving a negative film having a sound record thereon and said positive film in overlying relation over said sprocket, means for exposing said last-named films through either one of said apertures, means for masking either of said apertures and means for simultaneously controlling said picture aperture and said sound aperture-masking means.

2. A continuous film printing machine comprising a base, a frame including a cylindrical portion having a circumferentially positioned exposure aperture therein, a picture exposure sprocket comprising peripherally toothed wheels axially spaced the width of said aperture and co-axially mounted within said cylindrical frame portion, means for moving a negative film having a picture record thereon and a positive in overlying relation over said exposure sprocket, means for exposing said film through said aperture, means for alternately masking a portion of said aperture adjacent the inner edge of said sprocket Wheels, a cylindrical open end casing having two circumferentially positioned exposure apertures extending from said frame, a sound exposure sprocket comprising peripherally toothed Wheels axially spaced and positioned co-axially in the ends of said casing, means i or moving a negative film having a sound record thereon and said positive film in overlying relation over said sprocket, means for exposing said last-named films through either one of said apertures, means for masking either of said apertures, and means for simultaneously controlling said picture and said sound aperture masking means.

3. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for alternately masking portions of said picture exposure aperture, means for alternately masking said sound exposure apertures, means for simultaneously controlling said sound and said picture aperture masking means, and means controlled by said last-named means for indicating the position of said masking means.

4. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for alternately masking a narrow portion adjacent either edge of said picture exposure aperture, means for alternately masking said sound exposure apertures, means for simultaneously controlling said sound and said picture aperture masking means, and means controlled by said lastnamed means for indicating the position of said masking means.

5. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for alternately masking a narrow portion adjacent either edge of said picture exposure aperture, means for alternately masking said sound exposure apertures, means for simultaneously controlling said sound and said picture aperture masking means, signal lamps for indicating said masking positions, and means actuated by said last-named means for controlling said signal lamps.

6. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for masking a narrow portion adjacent either edge of said picture exposure aperture, means for masking said sound exposure apertures, control means for alternately actuating said picture aperture masking means and for rendering said picture aperture masking means ineffective, additional control means actuated simultaneously with said first-named control means for alternately actuating said sound aperture masking means, signal lamps for indicating said masking positions, and means actuated by said control means for controlling said signal lamps.

'7. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for masking a narrow portion adjacent either edge of said picture exposure aperture, means for masking said sound exposure apertures, control means for alternately actuating said picture aperture masking means and for rendering said picture aperture masking means ineffective, additional control means actuated simultaneously with said firstnamed control means for alternately actuating said sound aperture masking means, signal lamps for indicating said masking positions, means actuated by said control means for controlling said signal lamps, means for alternately fogging portions of said positive film underlying said sound printing apertures, and means controlled by said mask actuating control means for rendering said fogging means inoperative for portions of said positive film underlying a masked sound printing aperture.

8. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for masking a narrow portion adjacent either edge of said picture exposure aperture, means for masking said sound exposure apertures, control means for alternately actuating said picture aperture masking means and for rendering said picture aperture masking means ineffective, and additional control means actuated simultaneously with said first-named control means for alternately actuating said sound aperture masking means.

9. In a continuous film printing machine, a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation, two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures laterally ofiset with respect to said picture exposure aperture past which are subsequently adapted to move a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for alternately masking portions of said picture exposure aperture, means for alternately masking said sound exposure apertures, and means for simultaneously controlling said sound and said picture aperture masking means.

10. In a continuous film printing machine, a

picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation, two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures laterally offset with respect to said picture exposure aperture past which are subsequently adapted to move a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, means for alternately masking portions of said picture exposure aperture, means for alternately masking said sound exposure apertures, means for simultaneously controlling said sound and said picture aperture masking means, and means controlled by said last-named means for indicating the position of said masking means.

11. In a continuous film printing machine,

means for printing a picture negative on to a" positive film including a picture exposure aperture, means for subsequently printing a sound negative on to said positive film including two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures, said sound printing means being displaced laterally with respect to said picture printing means, means for shifting said positive film edgeWise during the interval between printings, means for alternately masking portions of said picture exposure aperture, means for alternately masking said sound exposure apertures, and means for simultaneously controlling said picture and said sound masking means.

12. In a continuous film printing machine, means for printing a picture negative on to a positive film including a picture exposure aperture, means for subsequently printing a sound negative on to said positive film including two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures, said sound printing means being displaced laterally with respect to said picture printing means, means for shifting said positive film edgewise during the interval between printings, means for alternately masking portions of said picture exposure aperture, means for alternately masking said sound exposure apertures, means for simultaneously controlling said picture and said sound masking means, and means for indicating the position of said masking means.

13. In a continuous film printing machine, means for printing a picture negative on to a positive film including a picture exposure aperture, means for subsequently printing a sound negative on to said positive film including two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures, said sound printing means being displaced laterally with respect to said picture printing means, means for shifting said positive film edgewise during the interval between printings, a masking member positioned adjacent either side of said picture exposure aperture movable at will into and out of operative position, a sliding mechanism for controlling the position of said masking members, a sound aperture masking mem ber slidably adapted to alternately cover said sound exposure apertures, an actuating lever therefor, and a mechanical linkage between said sliding mechanism and said actuating lever for simultaneously controlling the positions of said picture exposure masks and said sound exposure masks.

14. In a continuous film printing machine, means for printing a picture negative on to a positive film including a picture exposure aperture, means for subsequently printing a sound negative on to said positive film including two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures, said sound printing means being displaced laterally with respect to said picture printing means, means for shifting said positive film edgewise during the interval between printings, a masking member positioned adjacent either side of said picture exposure aperture movable at will into and out of operative position, a sliding mechanism for controlling the position of said masking members, a sound aperture masking member slidably adapted to alternately cover said sound exposure apertures, an actuating lever therefor, a mechanical linkage between said sliding mechanism and said actuating lever for simultaneously controlling the positions of said picture exposure masks and said sound exposure masks, and an electrically energized system including a switch controlled by said mechanical linkage for indicating the position of said masks.

15. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, a masking member positioned adjacent either side of said picture exposure aperture movable at will into and out of operative position, a sliding mechanism for controlling the position of said masking members, a sound aperture masking member slidably adapted to alternately cover said sound exposure apertures, an actuating lever therefor, and a mechanical linkage between said sliding mechanism and said actuating lever for simultaneously controlling the positions of said picture exposure masks and said sound exposure masks.

16. In a continuous film printing machine having a picture exposure aperture past which a negative picture film and a positive film are adapted to move in overlying relation and two laterally spaced sound exposure apertures past which are subsequently adapted to move, a negative sound film and said positive film in overlying relation, a masking member positioned adjacent either side of said picture exposure aperture movable at will into and out of operative position, a sliding mechanism for controlling the position of said masking members, a sound aperture masking member slidably adapted to alternately cover said sound exposure apertures, an actuating lever therefor, a mechanical linkage between said sliding mechanism and said actuating lever for simultaneously controlling the positions of said picture exposure masks and said sound exposure masks, and an electrically energized system including a switch controlled by said mechanical linkage for indicating the position of said masks.

ALAN E. FREEDMAN. AUGUST ZIMMERMANN. 

